The Politics Hour

D.C. gears up for a special election to replace a former lawmaker now headed to prison. Maryland braces for a special session to reconcile the state's budget woes. And new polls suggest Virginia is in store for barn-burning races later this fall. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Same Sex Marriage and the Virginia Vote

In November 2006, Virginia voters approved an amendment to the Commonwealth's constitution banning gay marriage. Ballot question 1, which amended Virginia's Bill of Rights, passed with 57% of the vote. This map shows how Virginia voted, broken down by congressional district. Virginia's 3rd District, currently represented by Bobby Scott (D), was one of only two districts to vote against the amendment:

D.C. council member David Catania talked about the city's system for issuing medical marijuana licenses:

Alsobrooks said that the ability to gather DNA evidence from people in Maryland who have been charged, but not yet convicted, of crimes can be a "crucial tool" in prosecuting murder and rape cases in the state. Recently, Maryland's highest court declared the practice unconstitutional, and the matter may later proceed to the U.S. Supreme Court: